大象传媒

11 a.m. 3rd September 1939 65 years ago. On this day many thousands of Part -- Time soldiers, sailors and airmen were incorporated into the regular forces of the Crown.
The majority were Territorial Army Soldiers who, prior to the outbreak of war had volunteered their services and had trained in their spare time so that they would be available for service immediately war broke out.
Many had been deployed to War Stations just prior to the declaration and when the air raid sirens sounded a few minutes later were ready to engage the enemy. Fortunately the country had until Spring 1940 to prepare for the onslaught. Many were in France with the B. E.F. and in other parts of the world. The rest of the story of the second world war should be known to everybody.
I would like to think that people might pause for a moment on the 3rd September and think about these men Navy, Army and Air Force . Prior to the outbreak of war the ratio of regular soldiers to territorials was very low the battalion I was in was up to strength of over 1000 men with about 10 regular NCOs and Officers for training and administration..
1939 to 1945 quite a large chunk out of People's lives that is if they survived. I don't think many came back without their lives being seriously affected.
So just pause for a second and think where would you have been without them.

Just three Territorial Divisions to think about there were many more.

50th (Northumbrian) division (Tyne and Tees)

51st (Highland) division (H D)

56th (London) division (Black Cats)

How many more? can anybody remember the rest ?

John Absolon

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